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Finding the Cure for Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Jerry Wachter Photographer,

Celebrating 60 Years of Cancer Research H I S M I S S I O N L I V E S O N : Finding the Cure for Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Remembering Jerry Wachter

Jerry Wachter was a Baltimore native and renowned sports photographer whose love of photography began while in middle school. He developed his art over 35 years as the official photographer for the Baltimore Orioles club. In addition to baseball, he covered NBA, NHL, and NFL games, PGA Tour events, and international ice skating competitions. Known for his unique portrait and action shots, Jerry also worked with the Topps Company for 36 years creating photographs for sports cards. In addition over 30 of his photographs were published as covers for Sports Illustrated magazine.

Jerry’s career was highlighted by many spectacular experiences including documenting Cal Ripken throughout Cal’s career, as well as photographing other legends such as , and . Jerry Wachter and Cal Ripken Jr.

“Jerry was a fixture at Memorial Stadium and Camden Yards and his photographs captured the rich history of Orioles baseball,” said former shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. “At nearly every memorable moment of my career, I can remember Jerry being there and photographing every moment. He is a member of the Orioles family who will be missed, but his memory will live on through his work.”

Fearless and energetic, Jerry did not let his 2003 cancer diagnosis stop him from doing what he loved. He continued to photograph the Orioles Jerry Wachter and San Francisco Giants through the 2005 season until his death in November of 2005. manager during spring training in Arizona in the early 1980's. While undergoing treatment for merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and often terminal form of cancer, Jerry and his family recognized the need for increased research and education for people battling this particular type of cancer.

Given their outstanding and widely recognized research program, Jerry requested that all donations made on his behalf be given to the American Cancer Society. In order to honor Jerry’s wishes, the Wachter family is now partnering with the Society to find a cure for this rare and life-threatening form of cancer. Together, we are committed to raising $200,000 in 2006; your charitable contribution can help make Jerry’s dream a reality.

For more information on Jerry’s mission, please visit www.jwfund.org. C E L E B R AT I N G P R O G R E S S : 6 0 Y e a r s o f R e s e a r c h

The American Cancer Society’s Story and Progress

As the nation's largest private, not-for-profit source of funds for scientists studying cancer, the American Cancer Society focuses its funding on investigator-initiated, peer-reviewed proposals. This process ensures that scientists propose projects that they believe are ready to be tackled with the available knowledge and techniques, rather than working on projects designed by administrators who are far removed from the front lines of research. This intellectual freedom encourages discovery in areas that scientists believe are most likely to solve the problems of cancer. Nobel Laureates Since 1946, the Society’s Research Program has devoted more than $2.8 billion to cancer research. By funding groundbreaking research, The Society is justly proud of the the American Cancer Society has contributed many important 38 investigators it supported discoveries that have led to a better understanding of cancer and before they went on to win the cancer treatment. Nobel Prize, considered the highest accolade any scientist Below are just a few of the major cancer breakthroughs that the can receive. This is a tribute to Society’s funded-researchers played a key role in: the American Cancer Society’s Research Program and the • Cancer chemotherapy strength of its peer-review • Structure of DNA; Sequence of DNA process. These scientists range • The Pap Test from James Watson, PhD, whose • Cure for childhood cancer discovery with Francis Crick, MD, • Proof of effectiveness of mammography of the structure of DNA was the • First gene cloned cornerstone of modern molecular • Bone marrow transplants biology, to E. Donnall Thomas, MD, the father of bone marrow transplantation. C E L E B R AT I N G P R O G R E S S : 6 0 Y e a r s o f R e s e a r c h

The American Cancer Society Research Program

The research program focuses primarily on peer-reviewed projects American Cancer Society Research initiated by beginning investigators working in leading medical and Saving Lives scientific institutions across the Drug Discovery Year country. The research program 5 fluorouracil 1958 consists of three components: Alimta 1958 extramural grants, intramural Aminopterin 1947 epidemiology and surveillance Aromasin research, and the intramural Avastin 2003 behavioral research center. Bexxar BMS-354825 2004 Grant applications are ranked on Camptothecin and derivatives 1996 the basis of merit by one of several Celebrex 2000 discipline-specific Peer Review Cyclosporins Committees, each of which is Doxyrubicin and Daunorubicin composed of 12-25 scientific Erbitux 2000 advisors, or peers, who are experts Gleevec 2001 in their fields. Stakeholders, Herceptin 1998 individuals with a personal interest Interferon alpha in cancer, are full voting members Iressa 2003 of the Council and all Peer Review Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) 2005 Committees. Letrozole Methotrexate 1947 The Council for Extramural Grants, Mylotarg 2000 a committee of senior scientists, Proscar 2003 recommends funding based on: Provenge 2005 Raloxifene 1999 • Relative merit of the applications; Rituxan 1997 • The amount of available funds; and Tamoxifen 1974 • The Society’s objectives. Tarceva Taxol 1986 Thalidomide 2005 Trisenox 2000 Velcade 2003 Zevalin 2002 C E L E B R AT I N G P R O G R E S S : 6 0 Y e a r s o f R e s e a r c h

What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

Cancers of the skin are the most common of all cancers. While skin cancers are rarely lethal, two skin cancers— melanoma and Merkel Cell carcinoma— account for most skin cancer deaths.

Currently, melanoma is much more commonly found than Merkel Cell carcinoma. As such, although melanoma only accounts for 4% of skin cancer cases, it causes most skin cancer deaths (approximately 7700 people each year).

Although rare, Merkel Cell carcinoma (MCC), or neuroendocrine cancer of the skin, is becoming much more common. This form of cancer is often quite aggressive. In this cancer, malignant cells are found on or just beneath the skin and hair follicles, and then spread through the body. The disease typically occurs in whites between the ages of 60 and 80 years old, with a history of extensive sun exposure.

Since Merkel Cell carcinoma can be quite lethal, prompt aggressive treatment is warranted and research is still desperately needed. This uncommon form of cancer carries a poor prognosis with roughly 400-500 cases per year in the United States, thus making it about 100 times less common but potentially more dangerous than melanoma.

In a mission to increase, research, education and support for people battling cancer, the family of sports photographer, Jerry Wachter, is seeking your charitable contribution that would address this rare form of cancer. This disease took Jerry’s life in November 2005, at the age of 61.